Kimber Opposes New York Firearm Microstamping Legislation

Yonkers, NY — March 21, 2012 — Kimber Mfg., Inc., one of America’s leading firearms manufacturing companies located in Yonkers, has announced strong opposition to both the proposed microstamping legislation and its inclusion in the budget (AB 9055C) under consideration by the New York State General Assembly. In addition to the Governor’s office, Kimber has contacted the Mayor of Yonkers and a number of elected representatives regarding this issue.

Microstamping is a patented concept which purportedly allows a manufacturer to laser-engrave a firearm’s make, model and serial number on the firing pin and/or breech face of each firearm. These markings are then thought to be transferred to each shell casing when fired.

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Independent studies of microstamping technology have been unable to substantiate its efficacy. In fact, studies have shown that the technology is flawed and requires additional testing, analysis and evaluation. Furthermore, Kimber is unaware of any study or findings that show microstamping technology to be an effective means of reducing criminal misuse of firearms.

In the event microstamping becomes law, it would increase manufacturing costs here in New York and force Kimber to reconsider its current expansion which will add approximately 150 professional and skilled jobs in 2012. Additionally, it would likely compromise Kimber’s ability to maintain the same number of full-benefit manufacturing jobs in the state. As a result, both Yonkers and the State of New York would receive lower tax revenues and experience an increase in requests for unemployment assistance.

“Kimber supports further testing and evaluation of both the technology and its efficacy regarding the reduction of the criminal misuse of firearms,” says Kimber COO Ralph E. Karanian. “Absent definitive findings on both issues, microstamping legislation yields little more than a false sense of achievement for our elected officials; likely costs New York good manufacturing jobs and tax revenues, and distracts from the pursuit of truly effective solutions.”